Liquid Drain Traps

for effective draining of

liquids from gases
2
Automatic and continuous drain trap o
Many industrial processes involve the
removal of a liquid from a pressurized gas.
The most common example is compressed
air. Atmospheric air always contains some
water vapor. When the air is compressed
and cooled, it can hold less moisture. The
excess water vapor condenses to form liquid
water. Thi s water i s harmful to the
distribution system and the pneumatic
equipment. A liquid drain trap is used to
drain off the water while preventing the
escape of compressed air.
Although the majority of small Liquid Drain
Traps are used on compressed air systems,
there are many other industrial applications
which require the drainage of a liquid from
either its own vapor phase or some other gas.
Spirax Sarco automatic float-operated liquid
drain traps are ideally suited for this purpose.
The traps can handle liquids with a specific
gravity as low as 0.5, and they are available in
a wide variety of sizes, end connections and
construction materials.
All internal parts can be
serviced without disturbing
the pipe connections
Stainless steel float
automatically adjusts the
valve opening to maintain a
continuous liquid flow
Stainless steel
valve mechanism
Moisture
Separator
Isolating valve
Union
Balance Pipe
To drain or
return line
Liquid
Drain
Trap
Strainer
Dirt Pocket
Isolating valve
Gas line
Drain Traps automatically pass liquid,
but the liquid must first be collected and
fed to the trap. In the system illustrated
to the left, a Spirax Sarco moisture
separator is used to knock out small
liquid droplets in the gas flow. The liquid
collects in the bottom of the separator,
and from there is piped to the drain trap.
A Spirax Sarco strainer protects the
trap from dirt and pipe scale.
Because liquid which backs up in the
separator may be re-entrained in the
gas flow, continuous drainage is
important. The Spirax Sarco float drain
trap is ideal for this system because it
adjusts instantly and automatically to
load and pressure variations. The
continuous, modulated flow means that
liquid never backs up ahead of the trap.
3
peration increases system efficiency
Liquid seals the valve
at all times, preventing
gas leakage
Instantly and automatically adjusts
to variations in liquid load and pressure.
Efficiently handles any
load or pressure within its rating.
Handles liquids
with specific gravity as low as 0.5
Wide variety of materials
and operating pressures.
Stainless steel valve trim and floats.
User benefits

Liquid seal above the valve

prevents gas leakage.
Can be serviced without
disturbing piping connections.
Dirt and sludge can be blown down
periodically through the drain tapping.

An NPT balance pipe tapping

is provided in the top
of the body
Liquid Drain Trap overview
Piping Piping Body T.I.S.
Model Size(s) PMO
Connection Configuration Material Reference
FA-30 30
FA-75
3/4", 1",
75 7.306
FA-150
1-1/2" 2"
150 Parallel
FA-200 1", 1-1/2" 200 7.309
FAB-10 2" 10 NPT Iron
FAB-75 1-1/2", 2" 75 7.312
FAB-175 2" 175
CA-14 1/2", 3/4" 200 7.317
FAI 1/2", 3/4", 1" 200 7.316
CA10S 1", 1-1/2", 2" 200
In-line
7.3021
FA450
3/4",1",1-1/2",2" 465 NPT, SW, horizontal
Steel
7.315
3",4" 450 Flanged 7.3151
CA46S 1/2", 3/4",1", 1-1/2", 2" 300 Flanged
Stainless Steel
7.3023
FA-150 1/4" 150
NPT Vertical
7.307
TDA52 1/2" 250 7.314
CAS14/CAS14S 1/2", 3/4",1" 200 NPT, SW 7.3022
F-150V
1/2"
150
NPT, SW
Steel/
7.310
F-300V 300 Stainless Steel
Top in
Side out

No priming required.
Dirt and sludge which may
accumulate in the bottom of
the trap may be blown down
by removing the drain plug or
by installing a manual blow
down valve.
Sizes from 1/4" to 4" and
capacities up to 900,000 lb/h.

4
Typical applications for liquid drain traps
Draining a compressed air receiver
Water always collects in the bottom of a compressed air receiver.
A liquid drain trap is used to remove this water continuously and
automatically, while preventing the escape of compressed air.
The balance pipe allows air which may enter the trap to escape
back to the receiver. Air binding can occur
without a balance pipe installed.
Draining an air or
gas supply main
riser
A Drain Trap should also
be installed at the bottom
of every riser. The balance
pipe is connected to the
riser so that it will be
downstream of the
drainage point.
Dip pipe
TDA52
Thermo-
Dynamic

Drain
Trap
Draining an air or gas
supply main downfeed
Liquid can collect at points
where pipes carrying air or
other gases change elevation
or direction. If this liquid is
allowed to accumulate, the
result could be waterhammer
or equipment damage. A Drain
Trap should be installed at the
bottom of every downfeed.
The balance pipe must be
connected to the top of the
supply main downstream
of the drainage point.
Using a Drain Trap
to maintain a liquid level
A Float Drain Trap can be used to maintain a liquid
level in a tank. In effect, the trap acts as a controlled
overflow. The balance pipe must be connected to
the tank above the maximum liquid level.
Receiver
Balance
pipe
Balance
pipe
Balance
pipe
Draining a
compressed air receiver
through a dip pipe
If floor clearance is limited, water
may be removed from the receiver
through a dip pipe. In this case, a
TDA52 Thermo-Dynamic

Drain
Trap is the best choice. A balance
pipe is not required because the
TDA52s cyclic operation prevents
air binding.
Although the traps can be used to drain most liquids form most gases, some applications, particularly those involving
hazardous or unusual fluids, may be subject to regulation or may otherwise require special consideration.
Spirax Sarco will endeavor to provide whatever data is necessary to assist in product selection.
Model(s)* Size(s) Maximum Operating Pressure, psig
1.00 .99 to .95 .94 to .90 .89 to .85 .84 to .80 .79 to .75 .74 to .70 .69 to .65 .64 to .60 .59 to .55 .54 to .50
FA/FAI-30
1/2",3/4",1" 35 31 28 24 21 17 14 10 7 3
1-1/2",2" 34 31 28 25 22 20 17 14 11 8 6
1/2",3/4",1" 90 81 73 65 57 49 41 33 25 16 8
FA/FAI-75 1-1/2" 88 81 73 66 58 51 43 36 28 21 13
2" 75 60 54 49 44 38 33 28 23 17 12
1/2",3/4",1" 150 142 128 114 100 86 71 57 43 29 15
FA/FAI-150 1-1/2" 150 140 127 115 103 90 78 65 53 40 28
2" 150 139 127 115 103 91 79 67 55 43 31
FAI-200 1/2",3/4",1" 200 184 168 152 135 119 103 87 71 54 38
FA-200
1" 200 200 200 190 164 139 113 88 62 37 11
1-1/2" 200 200 200 191 168 145 122 99 76 53 30
FAB-10 2" 10 9 8 7.5 7 6 5.5 5 4 3.5 3
FAB-75
1-1/2" 75 69 63 57 50 44 37 31 25 19 13
2-1/2" 75 69 63 57 50 44 37 31 25 19 13
FAB-175 2" 175 163 150 137 124 111 98 85 72 59 46
CA-14 1/2",3/4" 200 198 195 173 152 130 110 87 65 45 26
1/2",3/4" 65 65 65 65 65 55 50 38 26 16 7
-4.5 1" 65 65 65 65 65 57 50 39 29 20 11
1-1/2",2" 65 59 53 47 42 36 30 24 18 12 6
1/2",3/4" 145 145 145 125 108 94 80 60 43 30 19
-10 1" 145 145 145 125 107 93 80 65 50 35 21
FA450 1-1/2",2" 145 132 119 105 92 79 66 53 40 26 13
CA10S
1/2",3/4" 203 198 195 173 152 130 110 87 65 45 26
-14 1" 203 203 203 180 160 135 113 92 72 50 29
CA46S 1-1/2",2" 203 203 203 203 203 203 203 165 99 54 27
1/2",3/4" 304 304 304 280 261 225 165 155 116 75 36
-21 1" 304 290 275 245 217 187 159 130 100 66 36
1-1/2",2" 304 304 304 304 295 253 211 165 99 54 27
3/4" 465 464 464 440 420 350 300 240 185 125 65
-32 1" 465 450 435 385 340 290 246 195 145 100 55
1-1/2",2" 465 422 380 337 295 253 211 165 99 54 27
CAS14/CAS14S 1/2", 3/4", 1" 203 203 203 203 203 162 130 97 72
FA450 3",4" 450 450 450 450 450 450 390 275 158 40
FA-150 1/4" 150 135 119 104 89 73 58 43 25 12
F-150V 1/2" 150 150 150 150 138 119 100 80 61 42 23
F-300V 1/2" 300 300 300 300 282 243 203 164 125 86 46
5
Liquid Drain Trap capacities selection and sizing
The discharge rate depends on the differential pressure across the trap
(that is, the pressure at the trap inlet minus the pressure at the outlet). The
capacity charts show the maximum cold water discharge rate versus the
differential pressure. Note: Although the differential pressure is used for sizing,
the trap body must be designed for the full maximum system pressure.
Operation against return
Line back-pressure
If the pressure in the return line (the back-pressure) is above atmospheric
at all times, the maximum operating pressure (PMO) of the trap is
increased by the amount of the back-pressure. (But the increased PMO
must never be higher than the PMA the maximum allowable pressure.)
Example:
If the nameplate PMO is 100 psig, and the back-pressure is always at least
25 psig, the drain trap may be used at a working pressure of up to 125 psig,
provided that the nameplate PMA is at least 125 psig at the operating
temperature. The excess pressure will not hold the valve closed because
the differential pressure is not greater than the nameplate PMO.
Safety factors
Both the amount of liquid to be discharged and the differential pressure
may fluctuate. To ensure continuous drainage during periods of high load
and/or low pressure, the liquid drain trap should be selected to handle the
estimated load times a safety factor of 1.5 at the lowest expected
differential pressure. If the capacity requirements or operating conditions
cannot be predicted accurately, the safety factor should be increased
accordingly. If the maximum peak load and minimum differential pressure
are accurately known, the safety factor may be reduced or eliminated.
Liquids other than cold water
For liquids higher than cold water (that is, liquids with a specific gravity less
than 1.0), both the discharge capacity and the maximum operating
pressure will be reduced. The required capacity of the light liquid (including
the safety factor) must be multiplied by the appropriate conversion factor
from figure 1. The resulting equivalent cold water capacity is used to select
a trap using the cold water capacity charts. Table 1 must be consulted to
ensure that the reduced PMO of the selected trap is higher than the
expected maximum system pressure. If there is a back-pressure in the
return line, the PMO of the trap may be increased (see above).
Maximum operating pressure with light liquids
*Some models are not available in all of the listed sizes. For liquids with a specific gravity less than 0.5, please consult factory.
Flashing liquids
The capacity charts are based on single-phase (liquid only) flow. If the
pressure/temperature conditions upstream and downstream of the trap are
such that a portion of the liquid will re-evaporate, or flash as it passes
through the valve, the resulting two-phase (liquid and gas) flow will reduce
the capacity of the trap. If two-phase flow is expected, the safety factor
should be increased by 1-1/2 to 2 times.
1.50
1.45
1.40
1.35
1.30
1.25
1.20
1.15
1.10
1.05
1.00
1.0 .95 .90 .85 .80 .75 .70 .65 .60 .55 .50
C
o
n
v
e
r
s
i
o
n

F
a
c
t
o
r
Specific Gravity
Conversion Factor =
1
S.G.
Capacity Conversion Factors
s.g.
6
Liquid Drain Tra
CA10S
The CA10S features rugged cast
iron (1") or ductile iron (1-1/2" and
2") construction for pressures up
to 200 psig. The convenient
in-line connections allow for
servicing of all drain trap internals
without removal from the pipeline.
The stainless steel float and valve
resist corrosion and allow for
continuous drainage.
FA/FAI
The FA and FAI Liquid
Drain Traps are traditional
cast iron products available
with either parallel (FA) or
in-line (FAI) connections.
These traps are offered for
system pressures up to 200
psig. The stainless steel
float and valve resist
corrosion and allow for
continuous drainage.
Sizes 1", 1
1
/2", 2"
Body Material 1" Ductile Iron, 1
1
/2" & 2" Cast Iron
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration In-Line Horizontal
TIS# 7.3021
Model CA10S-4.5 CA10S-10 CA10S-14
Maximum
Operating 65 psig 145 psig 200 psig
Pressure (PMO)
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 72,000 45,000 35,000
Sizes
1
/2",
3
/4", 1
Body Material Cast Iron
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration In-Line Horizontal
TIS# 7.316
Model FAI-30 FAI-75 FAI-150 FAI-200
Maximum
Operating
30 75 150 200
Pressure (PMO)
psig psig psig psig
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 3,100 2,700 2,700 1,500
CA10S
FAI
FAI
FA
FAB
The FAB range of Super
Capacity Liquid Drain Traps
are rugged cast iron
products designed to
handle large liquid loads
at pressures to 175 psig.
The stainless steel float
and valve resist
corrosion and allow for
continuous drainage.
Sizes 2" 1
1
/2", 2
1
/2" 2"
Body Material Cast Iron
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration Parallel
TIS# 7.312
Model FAB-10 FAB-75 FAB-175
Maximum
Operating 10 psig 75 psig 175 psig
Pressure (PMO)
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 25,000 240,000 68,000
FAB
Sizes
3
/4", 1, 1
1
/2", 2" (FA200: 1, 1
1
/2" only)
Body Material Cast Iron
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration Parallel
TIS# 7.306 & 7.309
Model FA-30 FA-75 FA-150 FA-200
Maximum
Operating
30 75 150 200
Pressure (PMO)
psig psig psig psig
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 13,000 8,500 11,000 6,000
FA
Sizes
1
/2"
1
/4"
Body Material Stainless/Carbon Stainless Steel
Connections NPT NPT
Piping Configuration In-Line Vertical Vertical
TIS# 7.310 7.307
Model F-150V F-300V FA-150
Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO) 150 psig 300 psig 150 psig
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 1,250 920 1,050
F-150V/F-300V FA-150
F-150V/F-300V (not pictured)
The F-150V and F-300V Liquid Drain
Traps are compact units with vertical top
in/bottom out flow pattern. The in-line
design allows for simple servicing of the
internal parts without removal from the
pipeline.
FA-150 (not pictured)
The FA-150 is a compact,
vertical top in/bottom out
Liquid Drain Trap. This all
stainless steel drainer is
available with 1/4" threaded
connections.
2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap
2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap
2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap 1-1/2" Trap
TDA52 (not pictured)
The only Thermo-Dynamic Drain Trap currently offered, the
TDA52 is a compact product that is very popular for drainage
of compresed air lines. This 1/2" unit can accomodate
pressures up to 250 psig and is constructed of stainless steel
to resist corrosion.
7
p product range
CA14
The CA14 offers a com-
pact Liquid Drain Trap
with in-line flow designed
for horizontal or vertical
piping. The rugged
ductile iron construction
is suitable for pressures
up to 200 psig. The
stainless steel float and
valve resist corrosion and
allow for continuous
drainage of condensate.
FA450
For processes that require pressures to 465 psig
and/or steel construction, the FA450 offers
the best solution. The FA450 is available
in sizes ranging from 3/4" to 4" and with
threaded, socket weld or
flanged connections.
The in-line design
allows all internal
parts to be serviced
without removing the
trap from the pipeline.
The stainless steel float
and valve resist corrosion
and allow for continuous
drainage of condensate.
3/4" - 2" FA450
CA46S
Sizes
1
/2",
3
/4", 1"
Body Material Stainless Steel
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration In-Line Horizontal
TIS# TI-P148-38 US
Model: CAS14 / CAS14S 1/2", 3/8" 1"
Maximum
Operating 145 psig 200 psig
Pressure (PMO)
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 904 2640
Sizes
1
/2",
3
/4", 1, 1
1
/2", 2"
Body Material Stainless Steel
Connections Flanged
Piping Configuration In-Line Horizontal
TIS# 7.3023
Model CA46S-4.5 CA46S-10 CA46S-14 CA46S-21
Maximum
Operating 65 psig 145 psig 200 psig 300 psig
Pressure (PMO)
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 72,000 45,000 35,000 40,000
CA46S
CAS14/CAS14S
Sizes
3
/4", 1, 1
1
/2, 2" 3" & 4"
Body Material Cast Steel
Connections NPT, SW, Flanged
Piping Configuration In-Line Horizontal
TIS# 7.315 7.3151
Model: FA450 -4.5 -10 -14 -21 -32 FA450
Maximum
Operating
65 145 200 300 465 465
Pressure (PMO)
psig psig psig psig psig psig
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 71,000 45,000 35,000 40,000 50,000 900,000
FA450
Sizes
1
/2"
Body Material Stainless Steel
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration In-Line
TIS# 7.314
Maximum Operating Pressure (PMO) 250 psig
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 2,800
TDA52
Sizes
1
/2",
3
/4"
Body Material Ductile Iron
Connections NPT
Piping Configuration In-Line Horizontal, Vertical
TIS# 7.317
Maximum
Operating 200 psig
Pressure (PMO)
Load @ PMO(lb/hr) 900
CA14
CA14, CA14S, CA46S
The CA16S and CA46S
Liquid Drain Traps are
designed for systems
requiring stainless steel
construction. These
traps are available with
convenient in-line
connections for ease of
maintenance and either flanged
(CA46S) or threaded/SW (CA14)
connections.
The stainless steel float and valve
resist corrosion and allow for
continuous drainage of
condensate.
CA16S
2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap 3"& 4"
Trap
2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap 2" Trap
MID-ATLANTIC
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
4647 Saucon Creek Road
Suite 102
Center Valley, PA 18034
Phone: (610) 432-4557
Fax: (610) 432-2595
SOUTHEAST
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
200 Centre Port Drive
Suite 170
Greensboro, NC 27409
Phone: (336) 605-0221
Fax: (336) 605-1719
MIDWEST
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
2806 Centre Circle Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 268-0330
Fax: (630) 268-0336
Printed in USA 5/03. Copyright 2003 Spirax Sarco, Inc.
SOUTHWEST
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
203 Georgia Ave.
Deer Park, TX 77536
Phone: (281) 478-4002
Fax: (281) 478-4615
WEST
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
1930 East Carson Street
Suite 102
Long Beach, CA 90810
Phone: (310) 549-9962
Fax: (310) 549-7909
For more information on Spirax Sarco, contact your
Regional Hub Office below, or call 1-800-883-4411
and you will be connected to the location nearest you.
REGIONAL OFFICES
W
MA
SW
SE
NE
MW
NORTHEAST
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
New England Hub Office
209 W. Central Street
Suite 228
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: (508) 651-3200
Fax: (508) 655-9434
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio Hub Office
7760 Olentangy River Road
Suite 120
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: (614) 436-8055
Fax: (614) 436-8479
1150 Northpint Blvd. Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 714-2000 Fax: (803) 714-2222
www.spiraxsarco.com/us